About two weeks ago, Jason and I attended a baby dedication for two babies on our team. We were asked to be godparents to both of them, an honor and a privilege we shared with several others. John Kristoff Ezekiel is the six month old son of Pastor Johnrey and Ate Emily. Pastor Johnrey works with the youth at our church site and leads worship. They also have two girls, the oldest a 5 year old with cerebral palsy. Princess Anelise is the three month old daughter of Kuya Hermie and Ate MaryChris. They are volunteer leaders at our church site in Montalban. It was a wonderful occasion, full of joy and love. And yet I was given a glimpse of the pain of poverty. Ate Emily shared honest struggles she sometimes has knowing that her daughter can not get the therapies she needs that might help improve her quality of life. She shared the temptation she has sometimes to find a job overseas that would pay enough for her to not only afford those therapies, but also to send money to help the rest of her family in the province. Her family in the province only has enough food for one person to eat each day. In moments like those, I feel helpless, wanting so much to have a solution. About a week later, another pastor’s wife, Ate Josie, shared that her salary from the private school where she teaches long hours was withheld due to lack of funds. And this just before Christmas. Somehow, though, the struggles are given to God, and they place their trust in Him. If only I was that quick to depend on God in times of difficulty. And in the midst of these difficulties, there is found reason to rejoice. On this day, it was for two new lives that joined the families, and we were given the honor to share in that joy.

Pastor Johnrey, Ate Emily, John Kristoff, and Nissi with us